The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago is proud to announce the return of the highly anticipated Benefit Art Auction on October 23, 2015. The museum's most significant fundraising event will feature work by some of the most important internationally recognized contemporary artists working today, including Olafur Elaisson, Takashi Murakami, Sterling Ruby, and Doris Salcedo, as well as work by promising emerging artists. Featured artworks also include specially made work for the MCA Benefit Art Auction by artists Nick Cave, Dzine (Carlos Rolón), Joyce Pensato, and Kerry James Marshall. Tickets for the Benefit Art Auction (starting at $750) are available now and can be purchased at mcachicago.org or by calling 312.397.4017. The Benefit Art Auction is generously sponsored by Sotheby's.
"The extraordinary generosity that takes place at each of our storied auctions positions the MCA to continue delivering exciting public programs and cutting edge exhibitions that truly engage our audiences and build deep relationships with today's artists," said MCA Pritzker Director Madeleine Grynsztejn.
This unique event welcomes more than 550 guests to the MCA (220 E Chicago) at 6:30 pm for a lavish cocktail reception inside of the museum. A robust silent auction will be on display while guests are invited to view more than 100 auction works. The coveted live auction artworks will also be on display, giving guests a chance to get a sneak peek before the live bidding begins. Guests are then escorted to the museum's sculpture garden where an ornate tent will be set up with stunning striped décor by HRM Designs, Event Creative, and Hall's.
Following dinner, the rousing live auction takes place. The esteemed Deputy Chairman of Sotheby's Europe Oliver Barker auctions off more than 15 pieces of work from an impressive roster of art galleries in Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Berlin, London, and Paris. To cap off the evening, guests make their way back into the museum to enjoy dessert and submit their final bids on the silent auction items. All proceeds from the auction support the MCA's renowned exhibitions and public programs, which offer compelling opportunities to explore, challenge, discuss, and reflect on contemporary art and culture.
In advance of the event, the works from the live and silent auction will be on view to the public during museum hours in the second-floor galleries from Tuesday, October 20, to Friday, October 23. There will be a special preview on Wednesday, October 21, from 6-9 pm. The MCA has partnered with premier online auction house Paddle8 to help national and international audiences have access to the exceptional silent auction works featured at the benefit. Paddle8 will have a public preview online from October 1-8, and the online auction will be open to bidders from October 9-23.